"Bah! Why should you think of him? Has he stood by you in this trouble? Not he! He left you to fight the matter out by yourself. Besides, there are reasons why you should not marry him." Dora's heart beat rapidly. Was she about to learn the truth? Had her rebuff brought about the desired result, and would this old man reveal what so long had been hidden? She believed that such was the case, and could scarcely manage, so intense was her excitement, to ask the necessary question to lure him on to a full confession. However, by an effort of will she managed to keep her voice fairly steady. "Are there any special reasons that you know of?" "Several!" snarled Joad, rubbing his hands together, with an evil glitter in his eyes. "I should be glad to hear them," she said in the tone of an empress. "I dare say you would; but I don't intend to tell you what they are." "Why not?" demanded Dora, trying to hide her disappointment at this unlooked-for result. "Because I don't choose to speak until it is my pleasure to do so," said Joad insolently. "Oh, I can see what you are up to, Miss Carew. You are trying to force the truth out of me for purposes of your own. But you shan't--shan't--shan't!" The old creature stamped with rage, and his face grew so red in his excitement that Dora really thought he was about to have a fit. She looked at him in astonishment, while he strove to control his anger and assume a dignified demeanour. Such conduct was not to be tolerated, and Dora walked towards the door of the library. "I shall return when you know how to conduct yourself," she said coldly. Before she could open the door the delinquent shuffled after her, in a state of childish repentance. "Do not go, do not go!" he cried piteously. "I am very sorry; indeed, I am very sorry." "Then why do you talk such nonsense?" said Dora, seeing that she had gained an advantage. "Do you think I want to know your secrets, you foolish old man?" "Yes, yes; I am a foolish old man," he repeated, catching up her words eagerly; "but do not be angry with me. I love you. Oh, Dora, dear, sweet Dora, I love you!" and whining in this fashion the old man fell on his knees. "Rise, Mr. Joad! Do not be foolish. Get up at once--I insist!" "Not until you promise to be my wife. I love you. I am old, but my heart is young. Listen, listen!" he continued, glancing round. "If you want money, I can get fifty thousand pounds. I know who killed Julian!" Dora tore her dress from his grasp in horror. "You know who killed Mr. Edermont!" "Yes; I will tell the name; I will gain the fortune; I will give it to you. Only consent to be my wife." "Your wife!" cried Dora, shrinking back with visible repugnance. "Ah, I know that I am old," said Joad piteously, "but reflect. There is much to be gained by you. I cannot live long; you would soon be my widow. I would leave you all the money; and think how rich you would be!"